COMPARISON OF HOLD-RELAX TECHNIQUE AND STATIC STRETCHING ON HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY IN NON-ATHLETE ADULTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Hamstring flexibility is crucial for preventing musculoskeletal injuries, yet comparative studies in non-athletes are limited. This mixed-methods study compared the effectiveness of hold-relax (HR) proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation versus static stretching (SS) on hamstring flexibility in non-athlete adults, incorporating participant perceptions. Twenty healthy non-athlete males (aged 20–36 years) were randomly assigned to an HR (n=10) or SS (n=10) group for a 6-week intervention. Hamstring flexibility was measured using the sit-and-reach test. Semi-structured interviews explored participant experiences. Paired and unpaired t-tests analyzed quantitative differences (p<0.05), and thematic analysis evaluated qualitative data. Both groups improved significantly (p<0.05). The HR group showed greater mean improvement (7.2±3.10 cm) than the SS group (4.3±2.7 cm, t=0.834). Qualitative findings revealed HR participants reported higher engagement and perceived effectiveness, while SS participants valued simplicity but noted lower motivation. HR is more effective than SS for improving hamstring flexibility, with qualitative insights highlighting its engaging nature. This mixed-methods approach supports HR’s utility in rehabilitation. Future research should explore physiological mechanisms and broader populations.